Soulful devotion and limitless creativity make up the endlessly unique, purposeful sound of Shari Walker, as she delivers her highly anticipated debut album ‘Heart Twist’. Leading with the delicacy and intimacy of its title track, a debut single which was released May 9th, ‘Heart Twist’ accesses the pureness and passion of our humanity, fearlessly connecting the dots between the self and the outer world; as we contemplate our roles and the prospect of a brighter tomorrow. Moving through a series of artistically enchanting arrangements and lyrical journeys, towards the final topical intrigue of ‘What Google Couldn’t Do’, Shari delivers each piece with quiet confidence and a subtle edge of character.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
How did you get into music?
I fell in love with poetry and that led to my love of music. I think some of my hardest times, when I felt like I didn’t have a voice that music was their to provide hope and inspiration. As I got older, teachers noticed my writing and encouraged me to bring it to life so I began creating spoken word pieces which in itself is music and my story took off from their ever since.
What field or genre are you into and how would you describe it?
My music is not easily able to be categorized. I think I have elements of hip hop, jazz, neo-soul, for my album being released May 20, 2022. While I also have a rap album being released in June, with notes of poetry, jazz, neo-soul components.
What were your first project and the people you worked with and which year?
One of my first projects was writing in a musical called “Stop Requested” for a non-profit here in Los Angeles, California. They support former foster youth in using the creative arts to heal. I am a former foster youth, and a short time after emancipation auditioned to be a part of a musical. I ended up not only being the lead in the musical, yet also learning to write music, perform and even act and sing. Since then I have been able to really find my footing as an artist, yet it all started with “The Possibility Project” creative arts program for former foster youth.
Who or what inspires you or motivates you? And why?
I am inspired by Christ, his love to serve people above himself really does push me to find ways I can serve. Although I am far from perfect, the music I create really is inspired by the love, grace and mercy Christ shares so readily. To be where I am today, is a miracle and that is all because of Christ so I am super inspired to try to use the life have to give back and uplift others through my music and service.
What are some of the challenges you face in your career path?
Currently in my music career the challenge is funding. I have a daughter and am married so I am on a super tight budget. So mixing and mastering, editing, producing is all done by me. You can see the imperfections in my music, yet you can also hear the heart so I am hoping even though financially challenged my music will resonate and inspire people towards good!
Do you have any advice for aspiring songwriters?
I am a new artist, so I do not know how much wisdom I have in the area. Yet, if someone is new I would encourage them to keep creating and know the right team will come.
What is your current project about?
I am currently working on music videos for my upcoming new album “Heart Twist” coming out on May 20, 2022. I am also working on three albums that I am super excited about to be released in June. It is a different cadences than “Heart Twist” yet they are all aimed at helping people to really see how amazing they are and be encouraged and uplifted in the struggles and victories of life.
What are your hobbies?
I love to write and read, Those two things were tremendous to helping me navigate the hardships of life early on, and now they really help me to not only uplift others through my writing, yet now with music reach a broader audience.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
One message I would give fans is to remember to speak light into their own life even if they do not have positivity around them. And find the good people, no matter how negative people can be, to remember to look for the good people and walk and even in some cases run away from the bad. You deserve not just better, but the best so rise above the status quo and allow yourself to grow.